FISH FOR THE GRAND LADY

Age Range: 5 - 9

Pub Date: Sept. 15th, 2006ISBN: 0-8234-1898-7Publisher: Holiday House

Two young Trinidadian brothers spend an idyllic morning at their favorite fishing spot. Before the cocks have even crowed, Colly wakes up his big brother Derrick (who narrates the tale in first person) to get started on their fishing trip. They promise their grandmother, whom they call Grand Lady, that they’ll bring back more fish than she can cook in a day. Bootman’s beautiful oil paintings depict the lush countryside and the bustling market that the boys pass through on their way to their spot, a river snaking around St. Joseph’s Mountain. Some horseplay gets Derrick and Colly as wet as the fish, but they catch enough to bring a big smile to the face of the Grand Lady. Illustrator Bootman’s first writing effort is crisp and evocative, and a glossary of terms from the Trinidadian dialect adds a welcome learning component. Lovely slice of life from a nearby nation. (Picture book. 5-9)